How aging affects alcohol-related liver disease
Official title: Development and Progression of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: Effect of Aging
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11014460 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how getting older affects liver problems caused by alcohol, like fatty liver and cirrhosis, and it aims to find out how things like genetics, lifestyle, and gut health play a role, so we can discover ways to help older adults keep their livers healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | February 28, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $241,763 |
| NIH project number | 5P50AA030407-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014460 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who consume alcohol and may be at risk for liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or are not experiencing liver-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of aging on alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), which can range from fatty liver to severe liver injuries like cirrhosis. It examines how factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and changes in gut microbiota contribute to the disease's progression, particularly in older adults. The study aims to understand the role of adipose tissue dysfunction and inflammatory responses in ALD as people age. By exploring these connections, the research seeks to identify potential interventions for improving liver health in older patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for alcohol-related liver disease in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the interplay between aging and liver disease can lead to significant advancements in treatment approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kharbanda, Kusum K. — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kharbanda, Kusum K.
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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.