Research

Our target diseases are viral hepatitis, protopathic liver cancer, and NASH. Recent improvements in diagnostic methods and medical therapies in this area had been incredible. In particular, we actively target intractable hepatitis B, hepatitis C, advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. We educate experts in medical examination, training them in medical procedures such as transarterial embolization, liver biopsy, therapy of esophageal and gastric varices and therapy of radio wave ablation.

• Approaches to improve the effect of anti-viral therapy for chronic viral hepatitis

  Recently, the effect of antiviral therapy for chronic viral hepatitis patients had been improved. However, some problems such as resistant viruses and recalcitrant patients are remaining. We analyze the relationships between viral and host factors for chronic hepatitis and the effect of antiviral therapy, Based on these results, we provide the most suitable therapy for individual patients. We are also actively involved in the clinical trials of a development of new therapies for chronic viral hepatitis.

• Multidisciplinary approach for liver cancer

  We perform multidisciplinary approach for liver cancer, including hepatic resection, ablative therapy, transarterial catheter therapy (hepatic artery chemoembolization, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy), systemic chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or liver transplantation. In addition, management for underlying hepatic disease such as viral hepatitis, metabolic disease, or liver cirrhosis is extremely important in the improvement of long-term prognosis.
  We present every treatment option and practice advanced multidisciplinary treatment for the liver cancer based on the close cooperation with internal medicine, surgery, and radiology. Furthermore, we participate in many clinical trials aiming at the development of the new cure for the liver cancer.

• Efforts to epidemiologic study and treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

  NAFLD has been shown to be associated with multi-factors such as insulin resistance, type 2 DM, hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, microbiome and periodontal disease. In our laboratory, we provide a medical care for NAFLD/NASH patients by treating metabolic disorders such as visceral obesity, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. We are also working aggressively to the new clinical trial.
  We participate in the Japan Study Group of NAFLD (JSG-NAFLD; NAFLD research group consisting of University Hospitals and general hospitals), and study epidemiology and clinical research.

• Nutrition therapy and measures of complications in patients with liver cirrhosis

  Patients with liver cirrhosis often have protein-energy malnutritions (PEM) and poor physical activities. These conditions result in sarcopenia. PEM and sarcopenia are predictive factors for poor prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis. Therefore, it is important to carry out the appropriate nutritional therapy in patients with liver cirrhosis. We have launched a special team MCU (Metabolic Care Unit) with dietitian, physical therapists, pharmacists, nurses, diabetes physicians and digestive surgeons. MCU is making efforts to carry out a comprehensive nutrition management in liver cirrhosis patients. In addition, we are working on clinical researches based on clinical data obtained through the activities of MCU in order to improve the cirrhosis treatment. Patients with cirrhosis are associated with the development of portal hypertension, esophageal gastric varices, shunt encephalopathy and portal vein thrombosis. These complications cause gastrointestinal bleeding and exacerbation of patient's QOL. To improve the prognosis and QOL of cirrhosis patients, we are taking an aggressive approch in cooperation with the digestive surgery and radiology.

• Laboratory for Digestive Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences
• Hiroshima Liver Study Group(Japanese)
• Hiroshima Liver Study Group（English）