HKUMed Study Links Fatty Liver to Worsening Breast Cancer
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A study conducted by the School of Chinese Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) has found that patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (fatty liver disease) have excessive production of a hepatokine called 'Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21)' in their liver, which may accelerate the growth of breast cancer tumors. The study provides scientific evidence supporting the traditional Chinese medicine theory of 'breast disease from liver dysfunction' and sheds light on the potential mechanisms underlying TCM treatments for breast-related conditions. FGF21 is a protein secreted by the liver and its abnormal secretion has been associated with various cancers. The research team led by Dr. Chen Jianping found that mice with fatty liver disease exhibited overexpression and secretion of FGF21, which significantly accelerated the growth of mammary tumors. The team also found higher expression of FGF21 in tumor samples from patients with primary breast cancer, which was associated with higher rates of recurrence and mortality. The study highlights the importance of liver health in preventing breast cancer and supports the clinical application of the TCM theory of 'breast disease from liver dysfunction' in breast cancer management. The researchers plan to further investigate the connection between the liver and the breast to advance understanding and treatment of breast cancer.

#Hkumed #FattyLiverDisease #BreastCancer #Fgf21 #TraditionalChineseMedicine

https://www.miragenews.com/hkumed-study-links-fatty-liver-to-worsening-1272378/