How the PDE4 enzyme drives alcohol-related liver damage
Phosphodiesterase 4 mediated pathogenic mechanisms in alcohol associated liver disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE · NIH-11111349
This project looks at blocking the PDE4 enzyme to reduce liver fat and cell damage in people with alcohol-related liver disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11111349 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how alcohol raises levels of the PDE4 enzyme in the liver and how that change harms liver cells and lipid metabolism. They will use human liver samples alongside animal and cell models to map the molecular steps linking ethanol, PDE4, and liver injury. The team will test whether inhibiting PDE4 improves fatty acid breakdown and prevents hepatocyte death in lab and animal experiments. Findings will be used to guide possible future patient-directed trials or therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with alcohol-associated liver disease, including alcohol-associated hepatitis, would be the likely candidates for any future trials informed by this research.
Not a fit: People whose liver disease is not caused by alcohol (for example, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to PDE4-blocking treatments that lower liver fat and reduce liver injury in people with alcohol-associated liver disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies, including the investigators' preliminary work, suggest PDE4 inhibition can lessen liver injury, but benefits in patients have not yet been proven.
Where this research is happening
LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE — LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GOBEJISHVILI, LEILA — UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
- Study coordinator: GOBEJISHVILI, LEILA
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 below.