Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have identified a protein which they hope could reduce liver damage in people who have overdosed on paracetamol.
The team found that overdose patients who suffer the greatest liver damage have higher levels of a protein known as cyclophilin A in their urine.
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Lead researcher Dr James Dear said: "Around 30 percent of patients who have developed significant liver injury following a paracetamol overdose die.
"If we can find a way to block the protein cyclophilin A, we would hope to limit further damage to the liver.
Paracetamol
This medication is a non-opiate, analgesic and antipyretic, prescribed for headache, pain (muscle ache, backache) and fever either alone or combined with other medications.
This medication is a non-opiate, analgesic and antipyretic, prescribed for headache, pain (muscle ache, backache) and fever either alone or combined with other medications.
"Waiting a number of days means that valuable time is lost in trying to find a suitable match. Even gaining an extra day or two could save a life."
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Liver transplantation is a surgical option for the treatment of liver failure where the diseased liver is replaced with a healthy one.
Liver transplantation is a surgical option for the treatment of liver failure where the diseased liver is replaced with a healthy one.
The findings will be presented at a meeting of the British Pharmacological Society.
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