How a liver enzyme (MMP-12) may protect against acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose
Novel proteolytic mechanisms driving pathologic hepatic congestion in drug-induced hepatotoxicity
Looks at whether a natural enzyme called MMP-12 can stop liver damage and prevent liver failure in people who have overdosed on acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290297 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will use lab experiments, genetically modified mice, and tissue or blood samples from people like you to learn how MMP-12 controls production of plasmin and angiostatin after acetaminophen injury. They will test whether MMP-12 cuts the plasminogen protein in a way that lowers harmful plasmin activity and prevents blood-vessel damage and congestion inside the liver. By combining animal models with results from patients with acute liver failure, the researchers aim to connect molecular findings to real-world acetaminophen overdose cases. These steps could point toward new ways to stop simple liver injury from progressing to full liver failure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People recently treated for acetaminophen overdose or hospitalized with APAP-induced liver injury would be the most relevant candidates to provide samples or participate in related clinical activities.
Not a fit: People with liver disease caused by other conditions (for example viral hepatitis or alcoholic liver disease) or those not exposed to acetaminophen are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatments that prevent acetaminophen overdoses from progressing to acute liver failure, reducing the need for long hospital stays.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary lab work and patient-sample data from this team support the idea of this novel mechanism, but similar approaches have not yet been developed into proven patient treatments.
Where this research is happening
East Lansing, United States
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luyendyk, James P — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Luyendyk, James P
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.