Andrea Branch is a Professor of Medicine and the Director of Basic and Translational Research in Mount Sinai’s Institute of Liver Medicine. Dr. Branch and her team developed a computer algorithm to identify patients with fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma using data in electronic health records (see Vandromme et al., below). They also used this algorithm to identify patients with liver cancer. They previously used whole genome gene expression analysis to validate an experimental model of liver cancer (see El-Shamy et al., below). In future research, Dr. Branch and her team plan to use molecular and computational techniques to analyze liver tissue of individuals exposed to World Trade Center (WTC) dust and to identify genetic polymorphisms associated with liver fibrosis. “The Big Data Training for Cancer Research” workshop will help Dr. Branch complete these investigations and provide guidance for other members of her team. Dr. Branch will benefit from participating in the workshop because the training will provide her with the skills she needs to analyze Big Data and complete her planned studies.
Title of Talk: Environmental toxins and liver fibrosis in African Americans.
In the United States, the prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis doubled over the past 20 years. Of 13 other health conditions examined, none increased as rapidly as advanced liver fibrosis, raising questions about what is causing the increase. A rise in excessive alcohol consumption is a likely contributor. Over 90% of people with advanced liver fibrosis had high (4th quartile) lipid-adjusted blood levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). High (Q4) cadmium levels were also associated with advanced liver fibrosis, highlighting the need for more information about toxic exposures as drivers of liver disease. Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) individuals had a higher prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis than non-Hispanic White (NHW) individuals. The factors contributing to this disparity are unknown; however, greater susceptibility to the toxic effects of environmental exposures may be involved. NHB individuals were the only racial/ethnic group in whom high (Q4) lead exposure was associated with advanced liver fibrosis.
Time: Sept. 22, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Time
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Meeting ID: 836 3663 1854
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Meeting ID: 836 3663 1854
Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Virtual Event