How gut bacteria produce ethanol and affect alcohol use disorder and liver disease

Role of gut microbial ethanol production in alcohol use disorder and alcohol-associated liver disease

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-10931622

This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut can produce alcohol and how that affects people with Autobrewery Syndrome, helping us learn more about its impact on drinking habits and liver health.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-10931622 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of gut microbiota in producing ethanol and its impact on alcohol use disorder and liver disease. It focuses on patients with Autobrewery Syndrome, where gut bacteria generate high levels of ethanol that enter the bloodstream, causing intoxication symptoms. By studying these patients, the research aims to understand how gut-derived ethanol influences alcohol consumption behaviors and liver health. The methodology includes analyzing gut microbiota samples and using animal models to observe behavioral and physiological changes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder or Autobrewery Syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or related liver diseases may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for alcohol use disorder and liver disease by targeting gut microbiota.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the gut microbiome's role in alcohol-related conditions, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, 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.
Conditions Alcohol withdrawal syndromeAlcoholic Liver Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.