Blood test to detect alcohol-related white matter brain damage
“Serum Exosome Detection and Monitoring of Alcohol-Related White Matter Brain Pathology-Opportunities to Optimize Treatment and Monitoring of AUD-Related Organ and Tissue Damage
It looks at whether tiny particles in the blood (exosomes) can signal white matter brain damage and recovery in people who drink heavily or have alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhode Island Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11197587 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, researchers are studying whether exosomes—tiny packets released into the blood—carry signs of white matter damage caused by heavy drinking and whether those signs change with abstinence or treatment. The team will analyze blood-derived exosomes and related lipid and protein markers, and link those markers to known brain white matter changes. They will also use established rat models to discover and validate markers before translating findings for human use. The goal is to develop a practical, non-invasive way to monitor brain recovery during treatment for alcohol use problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who drink heavily or have a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder, especially those concerned about brain effects or enrolled in treatment programs, would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without alcohol-related brain injury, those with other causes of white matter disease, or individuals unwilling to give blood samples are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a simple blood-based marker to track alcohol-related white matter damage and recovery, helping tailor treatments and follow-up.
How similar studies have performed: Biomarker and exosome research in brain injury and neurodegeneration is emerging with some promising early results, but applying exosome markers specifically to alcohol-related white matter damage is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Rhode Island Hospital — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De la Monte, Suzanne M. — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: De la Monte, Suzanne M.
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 below.