Liver Damage May
Be Reversible

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine say liver damage caused by heavy drinking or hepatitis could be halted or reversed, reports the BBC.

Alcoholism and hepatitis can lead to fibrosis in the liver, which involves the formation of excessive scar tissue. When scarring becomes too severe, cirrhosis results. In a paper published in the journal PLoS Online, researchers say they've stopped the formation of the scar tissue in mice by blocking the protein RSK, which is released during the healing process.

Martina Buck, lead author on the study, told the BBC she feels the treatment may actually repair already damaged liver tissue as well. What's more, she added, the findings could also eventually help patients with lung damage and burns. (The Advocate)