Aging disrupts the function and structure of the liver

The liver is traditionally considered an organ with a high ability to regenerate and a relatively low susceptibility to aging. However, in practice, age-related changes increase the risk of diseases such as metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which, according to some studies, affects up to 40% of the adult population of the United States.

The work used advanced technologies, including single-core RNA sequencing, a method that allows detailed study of gene activity in all types of tissue cells. This is the first study in which this method has been used to study liver aging. Scientists have obtained an activity profile of tens of thousands of cells and found that with age, the liver loses its clear structure of functional zones (zoning of hepatocytes), which, according to researchers, can weaken the organ’s response to stress and damage.

There was also an increase in the number of senescent cells, which do not divide but support chronic inflammation. This process, known as “inflammatory aging”, is considered one of the main mechanisms of tissue aging and increased vulnerability to diseases.

“We confirmed that similar changes occur in the human liver by comparing biopsies of young and elderly patients,” said study co—author Dr. Saloni Sinha.

The authors believe that the findings will pave the way for the development of new approaches aimed at slowing or preventing age-related changes in the liver. Such methods may include blocking inflammation, eliminating senescent cells, or restoring functional zoning — effectively “rejuvenating” the liver.

This study has become a significant contribution to understanding the molecular biology of liver aging and may form the basis of new strategies for the treatment of age-related diseases in the future.