This session highlights the vital contributions of associates and advanced practice providers (APPs) in advancing hepatology care through real-world insights, innovative treatment strategies, and impactful quality improvement initiatives. Through data-driven research and patient-centered approaches, these presenters demonstrate the power of associate- and APP-led initiatives to improve outcomes and expand access in diverse clinical settings.

This abstract parallel session explores the complex relationship between metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), with a focus on emerging clinical insights and risk stratification strategies. The included research abstracts examine the natural history and progression of ALD in the context of metabolic comorbidities, particularly following bariatric surgery. Key objectives include evaluating the risks and potential mitigators of ALD in post-surgical populations and assessing the effectiveness of population-based tools for early identification and risk stratification. The session will inform clinical decision-making and guide future research directions in the management of ALD.

This session highlights innovations from molecular mechanisms to drug development and clinical trials in biliary physiology and genetic and metabolic conditions. This session will spotlight cholangiocyte biology from scaffolding to repair. These research presentations will provide insights into mechanisms and therapeutics for A1AT deficiency, Wilson Disease, and hemachromatosis. 

This session will explore the rapidly evolving landscape of acute liver failure (ALF), addressing both the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and cutting-edge approaches to liver support. Participants will gain insights into the immunological and metabolic contributors to ALF, including novel findings in pyroptosis and immune cell activation, as well as comorbid factors in drug-induced liver injury. The session will also highlight therapeutic innovations, including bioartificial liver systems, stem cell-derived hepatocyte technologies, and therapeutic plasma exchange. Through clinical trials and translational research, this session aims to bridge the gap between bench and bedside in the management of ALF.

This session encompasses basic, translational, and clinical studies in vascular liver disease and portal hypertension, ranging from congestive hepatopathy and cirrhosis in Fontan-associated liver disease to intrahepatic moecular pathways of fibrosis in chronic liver disease. Key areas also include examination of porto-sinusoidal vascular liver disease and TIPS for acute and chronic portal vein thrombosis. 

This session highlights cutting-edge research in Hepatitis C treatment, including next-generation antivirals, optimized therapy durations, and strategies for long-term patient outcomes post-cure. Presenters will share findings from clinical trials, modeling studies, and translational research aimed at advancing the future of HCV care.

The 'omics' revolution offers a gateway to a new level of precision medicine in chronic liver disease.  In this session, we highlight  six outstanding examples of genomic and metabolic explorations into the pathogenesis and diagnosis of HCC and MASLD.

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 highlights novel basic science research investigating mechanisms of hepatoxicity. This session spans liver injury and repair for a variety of disease models including acetaminophen-induced liver injury, ethanol hepatoxicity, induction of tumorgenesis and HCC, and the role of coagulation in severe acute liver injury. 

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 />
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