Center for Metabolic and Liver Diseases
A Menace in the Multitudes
The rising prevalence of metabolic disorders in the United States and around the world is alarming, especially those conditions that affect the liver—central to metabolic health.
One in three American adults has metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that includes coronary heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Liver disease is equally prevalent. It’s estimated that 20-30% of adults in the U.S. have metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and 5-10% have the more severe form called metabolic-dysfunction associated steatohepatitis or MASH, which can lead to scarring (cirrhosis), liver cancer and organ failure.
Worldwide, the estimated prevalence of MASLD is 38%.
Our goal is to identify and interpret the underlying causes and drivers of metabolic and liver diseases, a continuum of research that includes basic intracellular signaling, metabolic translational research, human physiological studies and clinical trials.
Literally millions of people endure or face lives of chronic poor health, diminished well being and eventual death from metabolic diseases. Current therapeutic options are limited, ineffective or don’t exist at all. We want to change that.
Interim Center Director
Recent News
Center for Metabolic and Liver Diseases
Jan 28, 2025A monster, MASH
Jan 28, 2025Scientists show how the advanced form of fatty liver disease has monstrous effects on liver cancer risk.
Jan 17, 2025Bile may be key to immunotherapy effectiveness in liver cancer
Jan 17, 2025Understanding the crucial ingredient in bile may unlock the potential of treatments that boost patients’ immune systems.
Jan 9, 2025Common gut bacteria have a taste for tungsten
Jan 9, 2025A bacteria linked to longevity was found to feast on lactate only when the meal contains the metallic side dish.
Dec 6, 2024Three Sanford Burnham Prebys faculty members ranked among the world’s most influential scientists
Dec 6, 2024The publications of David A. Brenner, Randal J. Kaufman and Tariq M. Rana are among the most cited in the…
Oct 2, 2024Gut microbiome repair in children with severe acute malnutrition
Oct 2, 2024Researchers around the world, including Andrei Osterman, have been investigating potential remedies for child malnutrition.
Aug 22, 2024Macrophage mix helps determine rate and fate of fatty liver disease
Aug 22, 2024The white blood cells’ typical role is to promote inflammation and stimulate the immune response, but researchers say some actually…