Chinese scientists identify NASH target

Researchers in China identified CASP8 and FADD like apoptosis regulator (CFLAR; c-FLIP) as a new target for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) that could suppress the disease and related metabolic disorders. The study was published in Nature Medicine on Monday.

A team from Wuhan University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology observed lower protein levels of CFLAR in NASH patients' livers compared to healthy livers, with expression levels negatively correlating with NASH progression. Genetically modified mice lacking CFLAR liver expression had heavier livers with more lipid accumulation than control mice, as well as higher concentrations of inflammatory mediators and poorer glucose control. Mice modified to overexpress CFLAR in the liver were protected from lipid accumulation and inflammatory responses induced by a high-fat diet...