How liver disease affects brain function in people with HIV
Official title: Impact of NAFLD on Metabolic Brain Function via CEST MRI in HIV-Positive Individuals
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10916601 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) might affect brain health in people living with HIV, to see if it could lead to brain injuries or memory problems, using special brain scans to compare those with and without NAFLD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $539,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP1DK139798-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916601 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who have been diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HIV or those who do not have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and brain health in individuals living with HIV. It aims to understand how NAFLD may lead to increased risks of brain injury and cognitive decline by examining changes in the blood-brain barrier and brain metabolism. Using advanced MRI techniques, the study will compare brain imaging results between those with and without NAFLD to identify potential impacts on brain function. The findings could help clarify the health challenges faced by people living with HIV and inform future treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of cognitive health in individuals living with HIV who also have liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific combination of NAFLD and HIV's impact on brain function is less explored, related research has shown that liver disease can affect cognitive health, indicating potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Uddin, Md Nasir — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Uddin, Md Nasir
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Lipid signals that control acetyl-CoA and fat metabolism in NAFLD
A study exploring how membrane lipids influence acetyl-CoA metabolism to understand and potentially treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
-
Long-term study of NAFLD progression and gut bacteria in diverse groups
We’re following people over time to see how the gut microbiome and diet relate to fatty liver disease progression in diverse racial/ethnic groups.
-
Genetic and environmental risk for fatty liver cancer in Latinos (GENIAL)
A study to understand why Latino people with fatty liver disease might be more likely to develop liver cancer and to use genetic and environmental clues to predict who is at higher risk.
-
Toxic fats, vitamin B12 loss, and AHR may drive fatty liver disease
This grant looks at how certain environmental chemicals may trigger liver damage linked to fatty liver disease and how a vitamin found in the blood could be affected.
-
Role of cholesterol metabolism in toxin-driven liver disease
This grant explores how a liver toxin called TCDD affects cholesterol and fatty liver disease, and how a key enzyme (HMGCR) might change that risk in adults.
-
Small blood particle signals and fatty liver in children and teens
Researchers are looking at whether molecules carried in tiny blood particles can explain or signal fatty liver disease in children and adolescents with excess weight.
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.