Understanding liver disease through samples and genetic study

This is a long-term research study run by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases that collects blood, tissue, and other samples from people with various types of liver disease — including hepatitis B, C, and D, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease — as well as from healthy volunteers. Researchers will use these samples to study what causes liver disease, how it progresses over time, and whether genetics play a role in who gets sick and how well they respond to treatment.

Liver disease affects millions of people, but scientists still don't fully understand why some people develop severe disease while others don't, or why some treatments work better for certain patients. This study creates a large collection of samples and medical information that will help researchers answer these questions and eventually develop better treatments.