Hepatitis C Clinical Research Archives - AZ Clinical Trials

Hepatitis C and the Liver

May 11, 2022 No Comments

Hepatitis C is a liver infection from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). For some people, HCV causes short-term illness. However, for more than half, it becomes a long-term, chronic infection that can result in severe and life-threatening health problems. Liver diseases like hepatitis C progressively damage the liver over many years without notice. Learning about how it affects the liver and ways you can prevent and manage it are the best possible steps to fight it. How HCV Affects the Liver The hepatitis C virus spreads by coming into contact with an infected person’s blood. Hepatitis C can cause an acute or chronic infection: Acute hepatitis C Acute hepatitis C is a short-term infection where symptoms can last up to 6 months. In some cases, the body can sometimes fight off the infection, and the virus goes away. Chronic hepatitis C Chronic hepatitis C occurs when the body cannot fight off the virus, resulting in a long-lasting infection. Around 75 to 85 percent of people with acute hepatitis C will develop chronic hepatitis C. Symptoms of hepatitis C include: Dark yellow urine Fatigue Fever Gray-colored stools Pain in the joints Decrease in appetite Nausea Abdominal pain Vomiting Yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin Hepatitis means “inflammation of the liver” from infection, autoimmune disorder, or other factors. Regardless of the cause, these events trigger the body’s healing response, which rushes oxygen-rich blood, vital nutrients, and other special repair cells to the liver to heal it. We know of this process as inflammation. Most people with HCV have no idea they have it, so nothing is done to suppress or treat the infection. Without treatment, the healing response continues trying to repair the liver. Over time, chronic inflammation and excess repair materials like collagen begin to damage and scar the liver. HCV can cause cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Managing Hepatitis C The World Health Organization (WHO) states that antiviral medicines can cure more than 95% of persons with hepatitis C infection. You can help keep your liver healthy by eating healthy, staying active, and kicking the habits that harm your health. Remember, most people with HCV don’t know it, so understanding the risk factors can help with early diagnosis and prevention. Risk factors for HCV: Healthcare workers exposed to infected blood History or a current user of injected or inhaled illicit drugs Diagnosed with HIV Have tattoos or body piercings Underwent a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992 Were treated with clotting factor concentrates before 1987 If your mother had a hepatitis C infection when you were born If you ever worked or lived in prison Have been on kidney dialysis Arizona Liver Health has a new hepatitis C study starting soon. To learn more, call us today at (480) 470-4000. Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/index.htm https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-c/symptoms-causes/syc-20354278 https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/viral-hepatitis/hepatitis-c

The Effects of Alcohol on the Liver

April 26, 2022 No Comments

Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances among America’s adult and teen populations, posing substantial health and safety risks. Even though most know the adverse effects of alcohol, many tend to do so without fully recognizing the health risks of consuming alcohol excessively. The liver is one of the essential organs in the body, and when it comes to alcohol, it can have devastating effects. The Metabolization of Alcohol On average, it takes the body about an hour to process one alcoholic beverage. Every additional drink increased that time frame. The more a person drinks, the longer it takes to process alcohol. That’s because the liver can only process so much at a time. When someone drinks too much, the alcohol left unprocessed by the liver circulates through the bloodstream and starts affecting the heart and brain. This is how people become intoxicated. Two liver enzymes begin to break apart the alcohol molecule so it the body can eventually eliminate them. Alcohol’s Destruction One of those enzymes, ADH, helps convert alcohol to acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is only in the body for a short time, but it is highly toxic and a known carcinogen. Some small amounts of alcohol are also eliminated from the body by forming fatty acid compounds. These compounds can damage the liver and pancreas. The toxic effects of acetaldehyde have been linked to the development of cancers of the: Mouth Throat Upper respiratory tract Liver Colon Breasts Chronic alcohol abuse (drinking 4 or 5 drinks in a row regularly) also destroys liver cells, which progress from fatty liver to alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation) to cirrhosis (scarring). However, heavy drinkers may develop alcoholic cirrhosis without first developing hepatitis. Is There a Safe Amount of Alcohol? While there is no safe amount of alcohol you can consume, you can reduce your risk of liver damage by drinking less. Individuals can drink in moderation by limiting intake to 2 drinks or less in a day for men or one drink or less for women. Does the health of your liver concern you? Arizona Liver Health offers a FREE fibroscan for adults at risk of liver disease. To learn more, call (480) 470-4000 or request an appointment online today! Sources: https://www.verywellmind.com/alcohol-metabolism-key-to-alcohols-dangers-66524 https://www.addictioncenter.com/alcohol/liver/

Hepatitis Explained: What You Need to Know

March 31, 2022 No Comments

Liver health is essential to the function of the human body. It performs over 500 functions to keep the body healthy. A few examples are flushing out toxins, processing food, and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Hepatitis is one of the most common conditions that can permanently damage the liver without proper treatment. Learning more about hepatitis and what you need to know to take care of your liver are the most important steps you can take for a healthier future. What is Hepatitis? The definition of hepatitis means liver inflammation and is commonly the result of a contagious viral infection. Some types of hepatitis are non-viral, meaning one person cannot pass it to another. For example, autoimmune hepatitis typically has a genetic origin, and alcoholic hepatitis develops from excessive drinking. An individual can also contract the types of hepatitis spread by consuming contaminated food and drinks and mixing their bodily fluids with an infected person. There are six main types of hepatitis, but A, B, and C (Hep A, Hep B, Hep C) are the three most prevalent. Symptoms of hepatitis vary from mild to severe and can be acute (lasting less than six months) or chronic (lasting more than six months). Treatments are available for every type of hepatitis. However, types A and C are the only curable ones now. As far as vaccines, both A and B have vaccines available. It’s safe to vaccinate against Hep A starting at one year old, while Hep B vaccination series can start sooner in infants. Keeping the liver healthy with hepatitis is critical. Now, let’s talk about some ways to help! A Balanced Diet and Hydration Maintaining a balanced diet starts by reducing refined carbs such as white bread and processed sweets. Instead, try incorporating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. It would be best if you also were mindful of the types of fats consumed. Consider eating modest quantities of meat and dairy. Additionally, try incorporating more monounsaturated fats commonly found in seeds, nuts, and fish. Furthermore, drinking enough water for proper hydration is essential to help flush the liver. Not to be a Debbie downer, but depending on the type of hepatitis, your doctor may recommend cutting out alcohol completely. The reason is that alcohol damages the liver, so limiting your intake is essential for the liver to keep functioning correctly. The good news for coffee lovers is that coffee is a beverage known to promote liver health. So, brew, French press, or pour your favorite java over ice for up to three servings a day! Healthy Lifestyle In addition to eating a balanced diet, you can further promote your liver health and prevent liver disease by: Exercising regularly Maintaining a healthy weight Staying physically active Whether it’s weightlifting, swimming, or even a walk in the neighborhood, exercise can also turn triglycerides into fuel, reducing liver fat. A diagnosis of hepatitis doesn’t have to lead to liver damage. When you know how to keep your liver healthy and take the necessary steps, you have the power to live a healthier future. Check out this link to learn more about our liver studies and how participating in research can help you take the first steps on your journey to health. Our caring site staff can also answer any questions by contacting us at (480) 470-4000. Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/abc/index.htm#:~:text=Hepatitis%20means%20inflammation%20of%20the,medical%20conditions%20can%20cause%20hepatitis https://www.who.int/health-topics/hepatitis

An Unhealthy Form of Love

February 28, 2022 No Comments

There’s a lot of love to celebrate during the month of February. However, some of the things we love are bad for our overall health. One of these areas is our obsession with the “western diet,” which is high in fats, sugars, and everything that harms our bodies over time. Even worse, this unhealthy form of love fuels a fatty liver epidemic that’s rising in America. Expanding Waistlines and Decreasing Health Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when the fat accumulates in the liver for reasons that are not related to alcohol. It is normal for the liver to contain some amount of fat. However, when more than 5% – 10% percent of the liver cells contain fat, it is called a fatty liver (steatosis). Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a more severe form of NAFLD. NASH can cause the liver to swell and become damaged, eventually leading to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Common Causes of Liver Disease: Viruses Genetics Autoimmune disease Poor diet Obesity and sedentary lifestyle Reactions to medications Street drugs Exposure to toxic chemicals Self-Love is Good for Your Liver Too. The greatest form of self-love is making sure you have a healthy body. To love yourself means making sure what you put into your body is healthy and staying physically active. Exercise is powerful medicine. It not only helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, but it also helps prevent your body from developing certain diseases. Physical movement gets your heart pumping, which helps improve the circulation of oxygenated blood rich in vital nutrients to every working part of our body. The CDC recommends an exercise regimen of 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Healthy lifestyle changes such as exercise and proper diet are great for your liver too. Not only can you potentially prevent liver disease from developing, but you can also slow, stop, or reverse the progression of the disease in individuals living with it. The team here at Arizona Liver Health hopes you’ll be inspired to love yourself a little more by making healthier choices this February and beyond. To learn how participating in research can help individuals currently living with liver disease, contact us at (480) 470-4000 or visit our website today! Source: https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/diseases-of-the-liver/non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/#1577810249650-22c98dad-d443

Love Your Heart, Love Your Liver.

February 14, 2022 No Comments

When we think of hearts, we think of Valentine’s Day and the exchange of cards and unique trinkets shared with our family and friends. February is also American Heart Month which creates awareness about heart disease, the number one cause of death in the U.S. Every cell and organ in your body relies on a healthy cardiovascular system. So, while you’re spreading the love this month, make sure some of it’s for yourself. When you love your heart, you love your liver and overall health too. The Heart and the Liver The circulatory system and the heart work together to form the cardiovascular system. The heart pushes the blood through the lungs to add oxygen to it. Along with other nutrients, the oxygen-rich blood is pumped through veins and arteries to all the body’s cells and organs, which is necessary for them to function. The Liver has hundreds of vital functions and is the only organ with two separate blood supplies. One brings blood from the heart; the other brings blood from the intestines to filter it. The liver receives up to 25% of blood from the cardiovascular system. How They Impact Each Other Heart disease is a term for various conditions affecting heart structure and function. For example, coronary artery disease, the most common condition, causes narrowing or complete blockage of the veins and arteries in your heart from cholesterol or plaque. This makes it difficult for blood to reach the rest of the body and the heart itself. Decreased blood flow can cause liver cells’ death, which makes it harder to function. Eventually, the liver becomes permanently scarred, ultimately leading to cirrhosis. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is where an abnormal amount of fat accumulates in the liver. It is one of the most common liver diseases in America. NAFLD leads to chronic inflammation of the liver that progressively damages and scars the liver, leading to cirrhosis. A compromised liver affects the heart in many ways, including: Narrowing, enlarging, and other damage of the blood vessels from not effectively filtering the toxins from the blood. Increased blood pressure as the liver struggles to keep up with the flow from the heart. High blood pressure can damage and weaken the heart. The risk factors shared for both conditions include obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Making Healthier Choices, Starting NOW While liver and heart diseases have overlapping risk factors, most cases are preventable and respond to healthier lifestyle changes. Focusing on your health has never been more critical. During American Heart Month, we encourage every person to take the first steps towards a healthier life, including Becoming more physically active Eating a healthy, sensible diet low in sodium, sugar, and trans fats. Adopting a good sleep hygiene routine ensures your body is getting enough rest. Looking into smoking cessation programs to stop smoking. Learning what you can do to reduce and manage stress better. Visit the National Institutes of Health website for more information on weekly self-care ideas and other resources to help you get involved. If you have NASH, participating in a research study is a great way to celebrate American Heart Month by prioritizing your health. To learn more about enrolling liver studies here at Arizona Liver Health, call us at (480) 470-4000 or visit our website today! Sources: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/american-heart-month/about https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002870300825077 https://eurjmedres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2047-783X-14-12-541

New Year – New Liver Health Goals

January 31, 2022 No Comments

You can start this year on the right foot by taking proactive steps for your health and well-being. If you’ve been diagnosed with liver disease, keeping your liver healthy is essential. It’s a new year, and it’s time to set some new liver health goals. Fighting Liver Disease Starts with Prevention The best way to fight liver disease is to avoid it, if possible. However, the same tips that can help reduce your risk of liver disease can also help individuals already living with it reduce complications and promote disease progression (in a good way). These include: Weight loss plays a vital role in helping reduce fat accumulation in the liver. If you’re overweight, you could be in danger of developing a fatty liver that can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is one of the fastest-growing forms of liver disease. Eat a sensible, well-balanced diet. Avoid high-calorie meals, saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, and sugars. Hydration is also essential, so drink plenty of water. Exercising consistently helps burn triglycerides for fuel and reduces fat accumulation in the liver. Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoke and other toxins can injure liver cells. Alcoholic beverages can create many health problems and can damage liver cells and scar your liver Talking to your doctor about what amount of alcohol is right for you can help you drink responsibly. Taking medications incorrectly can harm your liver. Make sure to follow directions on all medications. Never take more than prescribed or mix them with alcohol. Dedicated to Liver Health If you are at risk or have been diagnosed with liver disease, Arizona Liver Health has resources to help. To learn more about our FREE liver scans or our enrolling liver health research studies, call us today at (480) 470-4000 or visit our website. Sources: https://www.hepmag.com/blog/10-proactive-steps-help-liver https://liverfoundation.org/13-ways-to-a-healthy-liver/

COVID-19: Omicron

January 13, 2022 No Comments

At this point in the COVID-19 pandemic, it feels like we are navigating the different levels of a video game. Except this isn’t a video game, this is real life amid the COVID-19 pandemic. When vaccines drove the infection rates down, up popped the Delta variant. Now, the COVID-19 variant Omicron is spreading at lightning speed. Why and How Viruses Mutate Viruses are constantly making copies of themselves to reproduce. Over time, random changes (mutations) occur in the copies. Most times, these mutations are so small that there’s no change in how the virus behaves. If enough mutations arise, a new variation or strain of the virus can emerge. Omicron As we are barely gaining ground on COVID-19 two years later, it’s understandable our knowledge of Omicron is minimal. We don’t yet know: How easily it spreads The severity of illness it causes How well available vaccines and medications work against it Based on the changed genetic makeup and initial observations reported in those infected, the CDC lists the following information about Omicron: The Omicron variant likely will spread more quickly than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. Anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms. Some treatments are likely to remain effective, while others may be less effective. Vaccinate, Get Your Booster, and Join the Fight to End COVID-19 Scientists and health officials expect that current vaccines will continue to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, it’s still possible for breakthrough infections to occur in fully vaccinated people. Vaccines have remained effective in preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death with other variants like Delta. The emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters. Arizona Clinical Trials offers COVID-19 resources through our clinical trials. Explore your options today! Visit our website to complete the application to see if you qualify.

We are Still Your COVID-19 Resource Center

December 31, 2021 No Comments

It’s hard to believe that we were glued to our television sets two years ago, watching the growing impact of the virus we know as COVID-19. With a second virus variation on the rise, the fight to end COVID-19 endures. Arizona Clinical Trials intends to see it through like the numerous other entities that have joined forces. Until then, we are still your COVID-19 resource center. COVID-19 by the Numbers More than 277 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 5 million associated deaths globally. The United States has had more than 51 million confirmed cases and over 812,000 associated deaths. More than 70 percent of U.S. adults are fully vaccinated with vaccines available to ages 5 and up and boosters for ages 16 and older. What’s New On December 16th, the CDC made the recommendation that individuals still needing vaccination should avoid the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. This was in response to a small blood clot risk which has hospitalized 54 people and taken the lives of 9. Researchers found the Omicron variant grows 70 times faster than the delta one in the bronchial tubes. Officials are still uncertain how many boosters are necessary to effectively fight the virus. Data shows deaths from COVID-19 in 2021 surpassed deaths in 2020. Vaccine mandates prevail in some areas and meet stiff opposition in others in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. For example, a federal judge blocked a vaccine mandate for healthcare workers, while the U.S Navy says that sailors forgoing the vaccine would face discharge starting in 2022. Your Resource Center for COVID-19 Though the progress remains steady, we still need your help in the fight to end COVID-19. Arizona Clinical Trials is still offering: FREE screenings for COVID-19 for those who are experiencing symptoms. Potential enrollment into COVID-19 prevention and treatment trials for healthy individuals or those with symptoms of the virus. (Participants must meet all eligibility criteria) To learn more, call us at (480) 360-4000 or visit our website today! Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/covid-19-updates#12/2/21-3:09-p.m.-PST-Biden-announces-new-COVID-19-strategy https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/what-you-need-know-about-coronavirus-right-now-2021-03-02/

If You Have PCOS, You Need to Read This

December 14, 2021 No Comments

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition that encompasses excess fat accumulation, inflammation, and liver scarring, is on the rise. Multiple factors go into developing NAFLD, and it has been linked to several other conditions. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the conditions that share a link with fatty liver disease. If you have PCOS, you need to read this. PCOS Signs and Symptoms PCOS is a hormone disorder affecting 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Although the cause of PCOS is not known, health experts believe that PCOS may be due to different factors working together. These factors include insulin resistance, increased levels of hormones called androgens, and an irregular menstrual cycle. Common symptoms involve: Menstrual disorders can include absent periods, periods that infrequently occur or too frequently, heavy periods, or unpredictable periods Infertility Obesity Excess hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, or upper thighs Severe acne or acne that occurs after adolescence and does not respond to usual treatments Multiple tiny fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries Shared Risk Factors and Androgens PCOS causes symptoms that are also factors we know to increase the chances of NAFLD. NAFLD can progress into the NASH stage, a more severe form of fatty liver disease. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the stage of liver disease where chronic liver inflammation begins to damage and scar it-eventually affecting its functions. Insulin resistance and obesity are both triggers for excess fat accumulation in the liver. In addition, prolonged exposure to high androgen levels may add to the problem. Androgens are typically referred to as male hormones and play a role in women’s health at lower levels. Growing research evidence shows, and without treatment, prolonged exposure to high androgen levels can lead to serious health consequences, such as: Heart disease Higher risk of liver inflammation and scarring Increased risk for liver cancer and liver failure without transplant With so many potential factors working together, it’s no wonder that having PCOS doubles your chances of liver disease. While fatty liver disease is serious, it’s possible to reverse and prevent it with diet and lifestyle changes. Eating a sensible, well-balanced diet and exercising regularly will help keep your liver healthy. Along with regular monitoring, healthier lifestyle changes help not only prevent liver disease but those already diagnosed with it. There are no FDA-approved treatments for NASH; however, potential new options are under investigation in clinical research studies. To learn more about enrolling NASH studies here at Arizona Liver Health, call us at (480) 470-4000, or visit our website today! Sources: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/menstrual-abnormalities/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos

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Hepatitis C Clinical Research Archives - AZ Clinical Trials

Hepatitis C and the Liver

The Effects of Alcohol on the Liver

Hepatitis Explained: What You Need to Know

An Unhealthy Form of Love

Love Your Heart, Love Your Liver.

New Year – New Liver Health Goals

COVID-19: Omicron

We are Still Your COVID-19 Resource Center

If You Have PCOS, You Need to Read This

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