(July 6, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Seattle - According to research in the journal Hepatology, diet may influence the risk of liver disease. In a study of over 9,200 patients, researchers found that greater consumption of cholesterol was associated with a higher risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. A diet high in protein was also associated with increased liver risk, while a diet high in carbohydrates was associated with decreased risk.

From Providence - According to research in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, chemical exposure may be linked to rising death rates from disease. Increased exposure to nitrosamines in the food supply and environment have been found to parallel rising death rates from diabetes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Nitrosamines can cause DNA damage, cell death and cancer, and have been linked to insulin resistance.

And finally, from Baltimore - According to research in the journal Liver Transplantation, acetaminophen tops the list of drugs implicated in liver damage requiring transplantation. In a study of over 500 adults, researchers found that acetaminophen was the drug implicated in 40% of cases. The FDA has recommended that the maximum single adult dose be reduced from 1000 mg to 650 mg.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.