This session explores the complex, multisystem interactions that drive inflammation in liver disease, with a focus on gut-liver and liver-brain communication. Presentations highlight the roles of the microbiome in estrogen homeostasis, salivary and serum biomarkers in cirrhosis outcomes, and immune signaling pathways such as TLR8 and neutrophil recruitment in biliary and advanced liver disease. The session also delves into how hepatocyte-derived exosomes and β/γ-catenin signaling impact microbiome balance, intestinal inflammation, and neuroinflammation, underscoring new therapeutic opportunities at the interface of immunity and inter-organ communication.

This session will include the presentation of highly rated pediatric abstracts submitted to The Liver Meeting, as well as the Pediatric Debrief session highlighting impactful pediatric research from across the meeting.

This session explores national and local drivers of disparities in access to liver transplant and chronic liver disease care, as well as potential solutions.<br />
&nbsp;

<p>This session explores the intricate signaling pathways and metabolic networks that govern liver injury, repair, and chronic disease progression. Presentations will cover hepatocyte-stellate cell interactions, nuclear receptor signaling, autophagy zonation, and the molecular regulation of regeneration and fibrosis. Through multiomics and tissue-specific analyses, these studies illuminate how dysregulation of cellular communication and metabolism contributes to conditions such as steatohepatitis, fibrosis, sarcopenia, and Type II diabetes.</p>

This session presents innovative and collaborative approaches to achieving global Hepatitis C elimination for adults and children. Presenters will share insights on diagnostic strategies, care linkage, and progress toward the WHO 2030 targets, highlighting efforts across clinical, public health, and global contexts.

Abstract Parallel sessions feature oral presentations from the authors of highly-rated abstracts submitted for presentation at The Liver Meeting.

This session highlights emerging mechanisms by which non-parenchymal cells (NPCs), particularly hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), orchestrate liver fibrogenesis in the context of metabolic dysfunction and chronic injury. Presentations will examine the impact of exosomal microRNAs, inflammasome activation, mitochondrial stress, and Notch/YAP signaling on HSC activation and fibrotic progression. Together, these studies illuminate how cell–cell communication, immune-metabolic crosstalk, and novel therapeutic targets shape liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma risk.

This session will highlight recent data on therapy for chronic hepatitis D, including real-world effectiveness, safety, and predictors of treatment response. Presentations will explore outcomes across various patient populations.<br />
&nbsp;

Panu Luukkonen, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Translational Internal Medicine at the University of Helsinki and the Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland. He also works as a clinical doctor at the Transplantation and Liver Surgery unit of the Helsinki University Hospital.<br><br>He obtained his PhD at the University of Helsinki in 2018 and continued advanced research training at Yale University (2019-2022).

She has a position as a physician scientist devoted to translating scientific knowledge in Hepatology into the patients care. She received her MD and Ph.D. at the University of Buenos Aires, School of Medicine. She has a master in molecular medicine. Her current clinical and translational research is focused on genetic, epigenetic, and molecular mechanisms implicated in MASLD pathogenesis and disease progression. Dr. Sookoian has published extensively in the field of Liver Diseases, including MASLD/MASH and hepatitis C.