How gut bacteria affect liver disease and infections
Official title: Lac operon-dependent metabolism in Enterobacteriaceae and its role in liver disease-associated infections
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11178591 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut can affect liver disease, especially for people with cirrhosis, and it’s exploring how a sugar called lactulose might help harmful bacteria grow, which could lead to serious infections; the goal is to find ways to better protect and treat patients dealing with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $169,020 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DK138319-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11178591 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cirrhosis who are at risk for infections due to alterations in their gut microbiome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without liver disease or those not experiencing dysbiosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between gut bacteria and liver disease, particularly focusing on how changes in the gut microbiome can lead to serious infections in patients with cirrhosis. The study examines the role of a specific carbohydrate, lactulose, in promoting the growth of harmful bacteria like E. coli, which can cause life-threatening conditions such as bacteremia. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify risk factors for infections and improve treatment strategies for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment options for infections in patients with liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding gut microbiome dynamics can lead to significant advancements in treating infections, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hecht, Aaron L — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Hecht, Aaron L
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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.