Hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis research

The impact of our research

We have a long history of dedicated research into chronic liver disease. Our QIMR Berghofer researchers have been recognised for their immense contribution to this field. Deepening our understanding of liver disease could help us prevent or slow the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis.

We’re studying how to best manage chronic liver disease and build a healthier future with better quality of life.

We’re investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of how scar tissue forms in the liver.

Our work has highlighted the critical need for doctors to be more vigilant with early detection and monitoring liver complications in diabetic or obese patients.

About hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis research

What are hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis?

The liver has over 300 functions – including clearing toxins from the blood, regulating blood clotting, and producing digestive enzymes. While the liver is very efficient at repairing itself, it can become so scarred that it can no longer function. This can be caused by:

too much alcohol or fat
infectious agents such as hepatitis viruses
genetic diseases that load the liver with iron or block bile from passing out of the liver.

This scarring process is called fibrosis. If left untreated, scars will cover the entire liver (cirrhosis). Such long-term damage causes the liver to shrink and harden, and predisposes the liver to cancer.

What causes hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis?

In Australia, cirrhosis is most commonly caused by:

alcohol-related liver disease
chronic hepatitis B and C
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
haemochromatosis.

Who’s most at risk of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis?

Liver disease is becoming more common in Australia. This leads to higher rates of hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

The rise in liver disease appears to reflect rising rates of obesity. As a result, liver disease will continue to be one of Australia’s most significant chronic health problems in the coming years.

What are the symptoms of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis?

Symptoms for hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis can include:

losing your appetite
finding it hard to think clearly
fluid build-up in the legs or stomach
jaundice (where the skin and eyes appear yellow)
nausea
unexplained weight loss
weakness.

However, not everyone with hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis will have all these symptoms.

Hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis in Australia

More than 6 million Australians have some form of liver disease. This will progress to cirrhosis in many cases.

How are hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis treated?

Treatment for hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis depends on how advanced it is, and the cause. In advanced cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.

How can we prevent hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis?

The best way to prevent hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis is to adopt a healthy lifestyle:

limit alcohol
maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise
protect yourself against hepatitis B and C by getting vaccinated, practising safe sex, and not sharing needles
manage chronic conditions.

Facts about hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis research

1 in 200

Australians have cirrhosis

6 million

Australians have some form of liver disease

Our hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis research

Cancer and Chronic Disease Research Group

This research group, led by Professor Patricia Valery, covers four broad research areas:

managing chronic liver disease – such as cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and chronic hepatitis C – and hepatocellular carcinoma, which is the most common type of liver cancer
quality of life, supportive care needs and health literacy of patients with cirrhosis and liver cancer. Our aim is to design suitable interventions that may delay the natural progression of disease to cirrhosis complications and liver cancer
epidemiology of chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis, NAFLD, chronic hepatitis C, and liver cancer.
investigating the reasons for poorer health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people diagnosed with cirrhosis and liver cancer compared to other Australians.

"Cirrhosis research is not just a medical imperative, but a moral obligation, for the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians. By understanding and addressing the unique factors contributing to cirrhosis within this community, we can pave the way towards a healthier and more equitable future."

Professor Patricia Valery

Hepatic Fibrosis

This lab, led by Professor Grant Ramm, investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms of scar tissue formation in the liver. This leads to fibrosis and cirrhosis in adults, as well as haemochromatosis. If left untreated, chronic liver disease can lead to liver cancer.

“Hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis research is not just about understanding the disease, it is about building a healthier future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-indigenous Australians.”