Adipokine could help reverse fatty liver and NASH in adults
Official title: Resolution of nonalcoholic fatty liver and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by a novel adipokine
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11374890 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new adipokine from fat tissue may rapidly reduce liver fat and inflammation in adult patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and NASH, using mouse models to study how it works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $938,470 |
| NIH project number | 4R01DK140159-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374890 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with NAFLD/NASH or at risk due to metabolic syndrome who could participate in future translation studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without liver disease or unrelated metabolic conditions may not benefit.
What this research studies
This NIH grant tests a novel adipokine that appears to trigger liver fat breakdown and boost fat burning while lowering new fat creation, with the goal of reversing fatty liver and NASH in mice. Researchers will use two mouse models of NASH to see if the adipokine can resolve liver steatosis and related metabolic problems. They will also explore how the adipokine works inside the body and identify its receptor, plus map the changes in liver signaling pathways. The work aims to translate findings toward potential therapies for people with NAFLD/NASH who have metabolic comorbidities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a new treatment that reduces liver fat and inflammation in people with NAFLD/NASH.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data suggest this adipokine reprograms liver metabolism and reduces steatosis in animal models, with promising but early evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Yong-Xu — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Wang, Yong-Xu
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.