TGFBR1 inhibitors could stop senescence spread to treat acute liver injury

Researchers at Cancer Research UK and colleagues found that acute liver injury triggers a paracrine-induced spread of senescence in the liver. The researchers suggested transforming growth factor β receptor 1 (TGFBR1; ALK5) inhibition could help treat acute liver injury and extend the therapeutic window for acute liver failure caused by acetaminophen toxicity.

Viruses, toxins and medications such as acetaminophen can damage the liver severely enough to prevent liver regeneration, leading to acute liver failure. Therapies to treat liver failure have a specific therapeutic window for effectiveness and patients with acetaminophen toxicity need to receive treatment within eight hours of exposure...