Enzyme-targeted therapy for alcohol-related liver damage
Role of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase in Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
This project looks at whether blocking an enzyme called soluble epoxide hydrolase can protect or improve the livers of people with alcohol-related liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11330503 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use mouse models and genetically modified mice to test drugs that block the enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase (s-EH) and see if this reduces alcohol-driven liver injury. They will give two different s-EH inhibitors and compare treated animals with mice lacking the s-EH gene to measure liver inflammation, scarring, and levels of protective lipid molecules in blood and liver. The team will correlate changes in these lipid markers with standard signs of liver damage to understand how the drugs work. Results are intended to build a foundation for future human testing of s-EH blockers for alcohol-associated liver disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Future trial candidates would likely include people with alcohol-associated liver disease, from fatty liver to alcoholic hepatitis, who are eligible for early-phase drug studies.
Not a fit: People without alcohol-related liver disease or those with very advanced, decompensated cirrhosis may not benefit from this treatment approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a new type of drug that reduces liver inflammation and damage from alcohol and inform future human trials for alcohol-associated liver disease.
How similar studies have performed: s-EH inhibitors have shown benefit in preclinical models of inflammation and some liver injuries, but applying them specifically to alcohol-associated liver disease remains at the preclinical stage and has not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirpich, Irina a. — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Kirpich, Irina a.
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.