A groundbreaking study has unveiled the potential of AHCC, an extract obtained from the mycelium of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes), to slow down liver fibrosis development.
This chronic liver condition often progresses from hepatitis, which leads to the formation of fibrous tissue in the liver.
The situation becomes critical when hepatic stellate cells are activated during hepatitis, setting off a chain reaction that can result in severe complications, including cirrhosis and even liver cancer—conditions that pose significant health risks.
With effective treatments for cirrhosis remaining elusive, researchers are actively seeking ways to prevent the activation of these stellate cells as a strategy to combat liver fibrosis.
Understanding Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Dr. Hayato Urushima, an Associate Professor at Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Medicine, highlighted the urgent issue of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which now affects about one in three to four people worldwide.
This condition, characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver, often serves as a precursor to fibrosis, emphasizing the critical need for early intervention to stop its progression.
Research Findings on AHCC
In their quest to explore the protective effects of AHCC on liver health, the research team conducted experiments on mice.
Their findings suggest that AHCC may play a role in inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells through two distinct pathways.
- The first pathway operates via TLR2 (toll-like receptor protein), where AHCC enhances the production of cytoglobin.
This, in turn, leads to a reduction in levels of reactive oxygen species.
- The second pathway involves TLR4, which AHCC uses to lower collagen production in the liver tissue of the subjects tested.
As the research progresses, Dr. Urushima is eager to initiate clinical trials to verify the effectiveness of AHCC for individuals suffering from liver fibrosis.
His goal is to bolster the scientific foundation surrounding the health benefits of this functional food.
The initial research findings were published online on September 24, 2024, in the American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, with the full article released on November 6, 2024.
Source: ScienceDaily