Genetic factors linked to alcohol-induced liver disease
An international research team, led by Sydney’s Centenary Institute, has suggested that the possibility of high-risk drinkers developing alcohol-induced cirrhosis is in part related to genetic factors. Their work has been published in the journal Hepatology.
“Only a small proportion of high-risk drinkers, about 15%, actually develop cirrhosis, but those who do are at high risk of death and require substantial healthcare support,” said Associate Professor Devanshi Seth, Head of the Centenary Institute Alcoholic Liver Disease Research Program and senior author of the study.
“We wanted to see if certain high-risk drinkers had a genetic predisposition for alcohol-induced cirrhosis. High-risk drinking is chronic alcohol use above recommended guidelines.”
As part of the study, the researchers identified the novel gene FAF2, which is associated with a reduced cirrhosis risk for heavy drinkers. Also confirmed by the study were four additional genes, three previously found to be associated with an increased risk and one with reduced risk of cirrhosis in heavy drinkers.
“Interestingly, a commonality of these genes, including the novel FAF2, is that they appear to affect the lipid (fat) metabolism pathway,” Assoc Prof Seth said.
“The findings are important as, due to heavy drinking, it is the build-up of lipid droplets in the liver that can cause inflammation, and which may then lead to serious liver complications such as cirrhosis in some drinkers.”
The researchers believe that the identified genes are influencing the body’s ability to regulate lipid droplets in the liver and are therefore influencing cirrhosis risk levels.
“This new understanding opens the door to the future development of exciting new drug treatments that can potentially target these specific genes and lipid processes, and reduce the chances of at-risk individuals contracting this devastating disease,” said Dr Timothy Morgan, co-senior author of the study and a researcher at the Southern California Institute for Research and Education (SCIRE).
Assoc Prof Seth added, “Abstaining or reducing alcohol use remains the most effective treatment; however, fully understanding the genetic mechanics of alcohol-induced cirrhosis is also key to improving patient diagnosis and treatment decisions.
“Identifying these genes at an individual level, in combination with assessing lifestyle options, means that we will now be able to predict an individual’s risk profile and then better personalise an appropriate treatment response.”
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