Campus researchers have found a possible cure for cirrhosis
of the liver by successfully reversing the excessive tissue scarring that
causes the damage.
Experiments conducted on mice at UCSD have shown that scar
tissue in the liver can return to its normal healthy state. This breakthrough
could lead to the first curative treatment for cirrhosis and other similar
conditions caused by illness or injury.
Livers affected by cirrhosis have their healthy tissue
gradually broken down into fibrous scar tissue. As a result, liver function begins
to fail. The condition is most commonly caused by alcoholism and hepatitis C.
Approximately 800,000 people die from cirrhosis each year worldwide.
