NIH-funded research R01 grant

Exercise before surgery helps reduce liver inflammation

Official title: Preoperative exercise therapy triggers trained immunity in KCs via cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway

Funded at Feinstein Institute for Medical Research · NIH-11100211 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how doing exercise before liver surgery can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation, making it easier for you to recover afterward.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFeinstein Institute for Medical Research
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Manhasset, United States)
Project startAugust 16, 2022
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$215,000
NIH project number3R01GM137203-05S1
Project IDNIH-11100211 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients scheduled for major abdominal surgeries, particularly those involving the liver.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not undergoing liver surgery or who have contraindications to exercise may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how preoperative exercise therapy (PET) can enhance the immune response in the liver by activating specific immune cells known as Kupffer cells. The study utilizes a specialized treadmill to measure the effects of exercise on these cells and their ability to reduce inflammation during liver surgery. By understanding the mechanisms behind this process, the research aims to improve recovery outcomes for patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries. Patients who participate will engage in exercise regimens designed to optimize their immune function before surgery.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery and reduced complications for patients undergoing liver surgery.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that preoperative exercise can positively influence surgical outcomes, suggesting a promising avenue for further exploration in this area.

Where this research is happening

  • Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
    Manhasset, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Huang, Hai — Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
  • Study coordinator: Huang, Hai

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.