How cholesterol affects brain problems from cirrhosis
Official title: Role of cholesterol in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11182574 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at whether cholesterol builds up in the brain and changes neurosteroids, contributing to hepatic encephalopathy in adults with liver cirrhosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $558,484 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135995-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11182574 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with liver cirrhosis who have had episodes of hepatic encephalopathy or are at risk for it.
✕Less likely to help
People without liver disease or whose cognitive symptoms have other causes may not benefit from cholesterol-targeted approaches.
What this research studies
Researchers will use models that mimic liver cirrhosis to measure free and membrane-bound cholesterol in the brain and to track changes in neurosteroid production. They will map the pathways that normally control brain cholesterol and test how those pathways are disrupted during hepatic encephalopathy. Experiments will link cholesterol and neurosteroid changes to neurological signs similar to what patients experience. The team will use those findings to suggest whether targeting cholesterol or neurosteroid pathways could prevent or reverse brain dysfunction in cirrhosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that prevent or reduce the thinking, memory, and attention problems caused by hepatic encephalopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work found cholesterol buildup linked to hepatic encephalopathy after acute liver failure, but applying that finding to cirrhosis-related encephalopathy is a new step.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Demorrow, Sharon — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Demorrow, Sharon
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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.