Improving liver health after blood flow restoration
Directing Tryptophan Immunometabolism to Ameliorate Liver Ischemic-Reperfusion Injury
This study is looking at a new way to help protect the liver from damage that can happen when blood flow is temporarily cut off and then restored, which can happen during surgeries or certain liver problems, by using a special treatment that aims to reduce inflammation and keep liver cells safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11002702 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on liver ischemic-reperfusion injury (IRI), a condition that occurs when blood supply to the liver is temporarily reduced and then restored, leading to inflammation and cell damage. The study aims to develop a new treatment that directs tryptophan metabolism to reduce inflammation and protect liver cells during this process. By delivering an enzyme into the bloodstream, the researchers hope to create a safer anti-inflammatory therapy with fewer side effects than current options. This innovative approach could potentially benefit patients undergoing liver surgery or those with liver dysfunction due to IRI.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients scheduled for liver surgery or those experiencing liver dysfunction related to ischemic-reperfusion injury.
Not a fit: Patients with stable liver function who are not undergoing surgical procedures or those with chronic liver diseases unrelated to ischemic-reperfusion injury may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment that significantly reduces liver damage and improves recovery after surgeries involving blood flow restoration.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of directing tryptophan metabolism is innovative, similar strategies targeting inflammation have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keselowsky, Benjamin George — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Keselowsky, Benjamin George
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.