Improving diagnosis and outcomes for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Official title: NAFLD Diagnosis and Outcomes
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11035115 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on using smart computer technology to help doctors find nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) earlier by looking at patient records, so that people at risk can get the right care before serious problems develop.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $477,318 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134448-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035115 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old who may be at risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pre-existing severe liver disease or those who do not have access to electronic health records may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the early identification of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques applied to large electronic health record datasets. By analyzing various patient data, including diagnoses, lab results, and demographics, the project seeks to develop accessible screening methods that can predict disease progression and guide treatment decisions. The goal is to ensure that patients at risk of severe liver complications are identified early and receive appropriate care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of NAFLD, potentially reducing the risk of severe liver disease and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using machine learning and AI for disease identification in other conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in NAFLD.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Alina M — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Allen, Alina M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.