Universidad CEU San Pablo identifies protein linked to obesity-related liver damage

Researchers at Universidad CEU San Pablo have identified a biological mechanism that could help mitigate liver damage caused by obesity. According to a study published in the journal ‘Molecular Biomedicine’, the absence of a specific protein called pleiotrophin appears to protect against metabolic and hepatic alterations induced by high-fat diets.

Led by Professor Mª del Pilar Ramos and Professor Gonzalo Herradón, the research involved a six-month study on animals. The findings indicated that subjects lacking pleiotrophin experienced less weight gain, reduced fat accumulation in the liver, and lower levels of fibrosis. Additionally, these subjects showed better protection against insulin resistance.

The study identifies pleiotrophin as a biological ‘switch’ that facilitates the progression from obesity to liver disease, providing a potential target for future medical interventions to prevent fatty liver development.