NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

How diet affects liver cell changes and cholesterol levels

Official title: Role of Dietary Nutrients in Induction of Pseudocapillarization and the Functional Consequences for Hyperlipidemia

Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10674261 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how what we eat affects liver cells as we get older, especially for people who struggle with lowering their cholesterol even with medications, and it hopes to find ways to help them manage their cholesterol better through diet changes.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 1, 2022
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2022
Award (this year)$338,250
NIH project number1R56AG071480-01A1
Project IDNIH-10674261 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include older adults experiencing hyperlipidemia or those with atherosclerosis who are not adequately managed by current treatments.

Less likely to help

Patients with normal cholesterol levels and no signs of liver cell changes may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how modern dietary nutrients influence changes in liver cells, specifically focusing on a process called pseudocapillarization that occurs as people age. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind these changes and their impact on cholesterol levels, particularly in individuals who do not respond well to standard cholesterol-lowering medications like statins. By examining the relationship between diet and liver cell function, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic strategies that could reverse these age-related changes and improve patient outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights into dietary modifications that could help manage their cholesterol levels more effectively.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary recommendations or therapies that improve cholesterol management and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis in aging populations.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking dietary nutrients to liver cell changes is novel, similar research has shown that dietary modifications can significantly impact cardiovascular health.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Southern California
    Los Angeles, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Deleve, Laurie D — University of Southern California
  • Study coordinator: Deleve, Laurie D

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.