How gut bacteria produce ethanol and affect alcohol use disorder and liver disease
Official title: Role of gut microbial ethanol production in alcohol use disorder and alcohol-associated liver disease
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10931622 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $175,691 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AA031328-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931622 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder or Autobrewery Syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or related liver diseases may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hsu, Cynthia Li-Shin — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Hsu, Cynthia Li-Shin
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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.