How antioxidant and energy-sensing pathways protect liver and fat from alcohol damage

Redox Signaling and AMPK Crosstalk on Alcohol-Induced Multi-Organ Damage: Liver and Adipose TIssue

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11175973

This project develops a mannose-targeted SOD1 nanoparticle to help people with alcohol-related liver disease by boosting protective enzymes in the liver and fat.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (OMAHA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11175973 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

From a patient's point of view, the team is studying how the antioxidant enzyme SOD1 and the energy-sensor AMPK work together to prevent liver and fat tissue damage caused by alcohol. They will manipulate SOD1 levels in liver cells and fat cells and measure effects on AMPK, catalase, exosome production, and alcohol clearance using cell and animal models. The investigators will also test a mannose-receptor-targeted SOD1 nanoparticle (Man-Nano) as a way to deliver protective SOD1 to relevant cells. The studies combine genetic, molecular, and pharmacological methods to identify mechanisms and a potential therapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with alcohol-associated liver disease or those at high risk of alcohol-related liver injury.

Not a fit: People without alcohol-related liver problems or those seeking immediate clinical treatments should not expect direct benefit from this preclinical research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a new nanoparticle therapy that reduces alcohol-related liver injury and improves adipose tissue health.

How similar studies have performed: Similar antioxidant and AMPK-targeting approaches have shown protective effects in lab and animal studies, but mannose-targeted SOD1 nanoparticles are a novel approach not yet proven in humans.

Where this research is happening

OMAHA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alcohol-Induced Disorders

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.