Aldehydes and fat-related liver disease: how tiny molecules drive MASH in diabetes risk
Official title: Mechanisms of Aldehyde-Driven Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11208763 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how aldehydes created in fatty liver may trigger liver damage and inflammation in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $641,392 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AT013393-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11208763 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adults with obesity, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes who are at risk for metabolic liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without metabolic syndrome or liver disease may see limited direct benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project examines how aldehydes produced during fat breakdown in the liver can disrupt mitochondria and set off inflammatory signals that lead to liver inflammation and scarring. Researchers will study these processes first in mice on a Western-style diet and then explore how enzymes that detoxify aldehydes and potential plant-based scavengers might protect the liver. By mapping the steps from fat-driven aldehyde production to immune cell activation, the work could reveal targets to prevent or treat metabolic liver disease linked to diabetes. The study combines metabolic, cellular, and animal approaches to connect liver fat, aldehydes, and inflammation in a diabetes context.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new ways to prevent or treat liver disease associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports a link between lipid peroxidation, aldehydes, and liver injury, but this project tests a detailed chain of events and potential protective plant-derived scavengers.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhong, Zhi — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Zhong, Zhi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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This study tests whether Efimosfermin can help adults with compensated cirrhosis due to MASH compared with placebo.
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Efimosfermin vs placebo in adults with compensated cirrhosis from MASH
This study tests whether efimosfermin helps adults with compensated cirrhosis caused by MASH compared with placebo.
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.