National and international experts bet in the research center Applied Medicine (CIMA) of the University of Navarra to deepen in the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in liver diseases. This line of work will facilitate the design of new treatments to prevent and combat hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. This is one of the conclusions reached at the sixth edition of the congress "Frontiers in Hepatology", organized by the CIMA, at partnership with the Clínica Universitaria de Navarra.

According to Dr. Matías Avila, researcher of the Gene Therapy and Hepatology Area, "at present, liver diseases are advancing more than the treatments that prevent their progression. If we know the origin of these pathologies, as is the case of liver fibrosis, we can prevent it from developing into advanced diseases and guide an effective therapeutic approach. Similarly, the identification of the basic processes of hepatitis C virus infection will help to design drugs that prevent its chronification and progression to cancer". 

Increased protection during transplantation

One of the most important applications of research molecular is aimed at liver transplantation. "Knowing the mechanisms involved in liver damage will help to develop strategies to protect the organ during transplantation, thereby increasing the success of the intervention."