New gene associated with reduced risk for cirrhosis

An international team of scientists supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health, has identified a novel association between the gene FAF2 and a reduced risk for alcohol-associated liver cirrhosis (ALC) in people who drink heavily.

A healthy liver (left) and liver with cirrhosis (right). Photo: NIH

Also confirmed by the study were four additional genes, three previously found to be associated with an increased risk and one with reduced risk of ALC in people who drink heavily.

All of the genes appear to be involved in fat metabolism in the liver. ALC is a major source of alcohol–related morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Taken together, the new findings help solidify our understanding of ALC, particularly with regard to the connection between fat metabolism and vulnerability to cirrhosis.

Genetic risk factors combined with clinical and phenotype risks, offers the potential for improved disease prediction and the realization of the promise of personalized medicine. (National Institutes of Health)

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