How liver disease affects brain function in people with HIV

Impact of NAFLD on Metabolic Brain Function via CEST MRI in HIV-Positive Individuals

NIH-funded research University of Rochester · NIH-10916601

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-10916601 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who have been diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Not a fit: Patients without HIV or those who do not have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Rochester, 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 Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.