Scientists have discovered a surprising danger when a special liver enzyme is turned off. The enzyme, called Caspase‑2, was once thought to protect the liver from fatty buildup.
Caspase‑2 Keeps Liver Cells Healthy
Researchers at the University of Adelaide found that mice lacking Caspase‑2 develop liver cells that grow too large and become damaged. This damage creates inflammation, scarring, and a higher chance of liver cancer.
What Happens When the Enzyme Is Missing?
Normally, liver cells have extra copies of DNA—a condition called polyploidy—that helps the organ handle stress. Without Caspase‑2, the extra DNA becomes a problem, leading to unhealthy cell growth.
In the study, mice without a working Caspase‑2 enzyme showed big, irregular liver cells and signs of chronic inflammation. As the animals grew older, many developed liver tumors, some four times more often than normal mice.
Why This Matters for Fatty Liver Treatments
Many scientists have hoped that blocking Caspase‑2 could treat fatty liver disease and lower cancer risk. The new findings suggest the opposite: long‑term loss of the enzyme may actually increase the risk of chronic liver damage and cancer.
Dr. Loretta Dorstyn, the lead researcher, says the enzyme helps remove damaged cells as we age. Without it, those cells can turn cancerous.
Global Impact of Liver Disease
Liver disease is rising worldwide because of aging, obesity, and metabolic problems. In 2022, liver cancer caused nearly 760,000 deaths, making it the sixth most common cancer worldwide.
The study, titled "Caspase‑2 deficiency drives pathogenic liver polyploidy and increases age‑associated hepatocellular carcinoma in mice," was published in Science Advances.