How Androgens Affect Liver Health in Women with PCOS
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Role of Androgens on Liver Injury and NAFLD Progression
This project explores how elevated androgen levels in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) may lead to liver damage and the progression of fatty liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115746 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many young women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are developing severe liver disease, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and a more serious form called NASH, at an earlier age. This project aims to understand if the higher androgen levels often seen in PCOS contribute to this liver damage. Researchers believe that these androgens might affect how fat is stored in the body, particularly around organs, which could then harm the liver. By understanding these connections, we hope to identify new ways to protect the liver in women with PCOS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future clinical applications would be reproductive-aged women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) who are at risk for or have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Not a fit: Patients without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or liver disease primarily related to androgen levels may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatment options that target androgen pathways to prevent or slow liver disease progression in women with PCOS.
How similar studies have performed: Previous data suggest a link between androgen levels and liver fibrosis, indicating that targeting androgen receptors could be a promising, though still untested, therapeutic approach for this specific patient group.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarkar, Monika — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Sarkar, Monika
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.