Our Summary

This study looked at how useful and safe it is to repeatedly biopsy the livers of mice in order to track the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This disease was caused in the mice by feeding them three different types of diets. The researchers found that not all mice developed the same level of disease, showing that these models are quite varied. They also found that performing multiple biopsies on the mice was relatively safe, with a low death rate, and didn’t have any major impact on the mice’s weight, food intake, or liver enzymes. These findings suggest that repeated liver biopsy can be used to monitor the progression of NAFLD in these animal models.

FAQs

  1. What was the main purpose of the study on liver biopsies in mice?
  2. What impact did multiple liver biopsies have on the mice’s health and behavior?
  3. Based on the study, can repeated liver biopsy be used to monitor the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that a liver biopsy is a safe and commonly used procedure to diagnose liver diseases. They might explain that the procedure involves inserting a small needle into the liver to collect a tissue sample for analysis. The doctor may also inform the patient about the potential risks and complications of the procedure, such as bleeding or infection, and provide instructions on how to prepare for the biopsy, such as fasting before the procedure. Additionally, the doctor may discuss the importance of following post-procedure care instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activities and taking any prescribed medications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended liver biopsy include:

  1. Patients with suspected liver disease, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
  2. Patients with abnormal liver function tests, such as elevated liver enzymes.
  3. Patients with unexplained liver enlargement or liver nodules.
  4. Patients with a history of alcohol abuse or drug use that may have caused liver damage.
  5. Patients with a family history of liver disease.
  6. Patients undergoing treatment for liver disease to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.
  7. Patients awaiting liver transplantation to assess the severity of liver damage.

Timeline

Before liver biopsy:

  1. Patient will have a consultation with a healthcare provider to discuss the need for a liver biopsy and the risks and benefits of the procedure.
  2. Patient may undergo blood tests and imaging scans to assess liver function and determine the best approach for the biopsy.
  3. Patient will be instructed to fast for a certain period of time before the procedure.
  4. Patient may be given sedation or local anesthesia to numb the area where the biopsy will be performed.

After liver biopsy:

  1. Patient will be monitored for a few hours to ensure there are no immediate complications such as bleeding or infection.
  2. Patient may experience some pain or discomfort at the biopsy site, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
  3. Patient will be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days to allow the biopsy site to heal.
  4. Patient will follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results of the biopsy and develop a treatment plan if necessary.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of the liver biopsy in my case?
  2. How will the biopsy be performed and what should I expect during the procedure?
  3. Are there any risks or complications associated with the liver biopsy?
  4. How soon will I receive the results of the biopsy?
  5. What will the results of the biopsy tell us about my condition and treatment options?
  6. Will I need any specific follow-up care or monitoring after the biopsy?
  7. Are there any restrictions or precautions I need to take after the biopsy?
  8. Will I need to make any changes to my medications or lifestyle based on the results of the biopsy?
  9. How often will I need to undergo liver biopsy in the future to monitor my condition?
  10. Are there any alternative tests or diagnostic procedures that could provide similar information without the need for a biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Chae YJ, Jun DW, Saeed WK, Kang HT, Oh JH, Lee SM, Jang K. Journal: J Korean Med Sci. 2019 Jan 3;34(2):e14. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e14. eCollection 2019 Jan 14. PMID: 30636945