How gut bacteria and their products affect liver inflammation

Mechanisms of gut microbiota/metabolite interface-mediated hepatic inflammation

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT · NIH-11094474

This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut and what you eat, especially high-fat and high-sugar foods, can affect liver inflammation and diseases like fatty liver, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding how diet impacts liver health.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT (nih funded)
Locations1 site (FARMINGTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11094474 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between gut microbiota and liver inflammation, particularly focusing on how dietary factors, like high-fat and high-sugar diets, influence this interaction. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by examining how specific microbes and metabolites affect liver immune responses. Using a mouse model that mimics a typical Western diet, researchers will explore the role of gut-derived components in liver health and disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with risk factors for liver disease, particularly those with high-fat and high-sugar dietary habits.

Not a fit: Patients with liver diseases unrelated to dietary factors or those who do not consume a Western-type diet may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating liver diseases related to diet and gut health.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-liver axis, but this specific approach to studying NASH mechanisms is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

FARMINGTON, 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 →

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.