Dietary oxysterols and metabolic dysfunction in the gut-liver axis
Official title: Dietary oxysterols as drivers of metabolic dysfunction of the gut-liver axis
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11593115 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how oxidized cholesterol byproducts in processed foods affect gut and liver health, especially in adults with type 2 diabetes or related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | July 9, 2026 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $208,363 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM144269-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11593115 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for type 2 diabetes who consume ultraprocessed foods may be eligible for related studies or future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not affected by metabolic dysfunction related to diet or those not participating in related studies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how compounds formed when foods are highly processed may disrupt bile acid metabolism and gut microbes, contributing to insulin resistance and liver problems. Researchers will study mechanisms in humans and animal models to see how these oxysterols influence metabolic pathways, with attention to sex-specific effects. The work will involve analyzing biological samples, hormonal differences, and gut microbiome changes to map how DOxS alter the gut-liver axis. The ultimate goal is to identify pathways that could be targeted to reduce diet-related metabolic disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform dietary guidelines and interventions to mitigate insulin resistance and liver dysfunction linked to ultraprocessed foods.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data in animal models suggest oxysterols impact bile acid metabolism and metabolic health, supporting further investigation in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Medina-Meza, Ilce Gabriela — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Medina-Meza, Ilce Gabriela
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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.