How vinyl chloride affects the risk of severe liver disease
Official title: Vinyl chloride modifies the risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11085125 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a chemical called vinyl chloride, which we can find in our environment, might increase the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), especially in people who are overweight or have metabolic issues, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat this liver condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $466,452 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133454-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085125 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with obesity or metabolic syndrome who are at risk for developing severe NAFLD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without risk factors for NAFLD or those who do not have liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of vinyl chloride, a chemical commonly found in the environment, in increasing the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study examines how exposure to vinyl chloride can lead to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, which may worsen liver health, particularly in individuals with obesity and metabolic syndrome. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential new therapies for treating severe forms of NAFLD. Patients may be involved in studies that explore the effects of diet and environmental factors on liver health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from severe liver disease related to NAFLD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that environmental factors can influence liver disease, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beier, Juliane I — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Beier, Juliane I
Related research
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Gm4951 gene and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
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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.